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Children have a strong sense of identity

Identity is the cornerstone to children's learning, development and wellbeing

67 books for this outcome

View details for 12 Days of Bush Christmas
12 Days of Bush Christmas book cover

12 Days of Bush Christmas

by Emma Bamblett, Megan Van Den Berg

Ages 3-8 years

The classic Christmas carol gets a beautiful Koorie makeover as kookaburras laugh in gum trees and coolamons replace turtle doves. This festive adaptation celebrates Indigenous Australian culture and brings Aboriginal perspectives to the festive season.

Australia Cultural Diversity Indigenous Themes, Authors and Illustrators
View details for A Pair of Pears and an Orange
A Pair of Pears and an Orange book cover

A Pair of Pears and an Orange

by Anna McGregor

Ages 3-6 years

When a pair of pears are joined by an orange, they worry there isn't room for everyone. A gentle story about friendship dynamics and the joy of including others.

Emotions Friendship Problem Solving
View details for Ada Twist, Scientist
Ada Twist, Scientist book cover

Ada Twist, Scientist

by Andrea Beaty Illustrated by David Roberts

Ages 5-8 years

Ada has a boundless imagination and an insatiable curiosity about everything around her. When her experiments don't go as planned, she learns that questions are more important than answers. An inspiring story that encourages scientific thinking and celebrates the joy of discovery.

STEAM Problem Solving Persistence Courage and Bravery Creativity Growth Mindset
View details for After the Fall
After the Fall book cover

After the Fall

by Dan Santat

Ages 4-8 years

Humpty Dumpty is afraid of heights after his fall, but he must overcome his fear to pursue his dream of flying. A story about resilience and facing your fears.

STEAM Problem Solving Persistence Courage and Bravery Resilience Emotions Responsibility
View details for Amy and Louis
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Amy and Louis

by Libby Gleeson Illustrated by Freya Blackwood

Ages 5-8 years

Amy and Louis live next door to each other. They build towers together and dig holes together. They do everything together…until Amy moves away and the colour drains out of their lives. Then Louis discovers how to rebuild their special bond. A touching story about friendship that transcends distance and the power of connection.

Friendship
View details for Beautiful Oops!
Beautiful Oops! book cover

Beautiful Oops!

by Barney Saltzberg

Ages 2-6 years

An interactive book that shows how mistakes can become beautiful opportunities for creativity and learning. Every oops is a chance to make something beautiful. A delightful celebration of creativity that teaches children to embrace imperfection and find joy in unexpected outcomes.

Growth Mindset Creativity
View details for Belonging
Belonging book cover

Belonging

by Jeannie Baker

Ages 6-12 years

A wordless story about Tracy, who feels like an outsider in her neighborhood until she and her neighbors work together to transform their urban street into a vibrant community garden. A beautiful story about belonging and positive change.

Environment and Sustainability Family and Community
View details for Circle
Circle book cover

Circle

by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Jon Klassen

Ages 3-7 years

Circle and Square are friends, but when Circle tells Square about a scary shape-shifter, they decide to investigate. This gentle story explores friendship, truth-telling, and facing fears together.

Friendship Numeracy Courage and Bravery
View details for Colours of Australia
Colours of Australia book cover

Colours of Australia

by Bronwyn Bancroft

Ages 3-8 years

An exploration of the vibrant colors found in Australian landscapes, wildlife, and culture. This book celebrates the rich visual heritage of Australia while teaching about colors and cultural appreciation.

Indigenous Themes, Authors and Illustrators Australia Creativity
View details for Country Tells Us When...
Country Tells Us When book cover

Country Tells Us When...

by Dalisa Pigram-Ross, Mary Dann, Sheree Ford, Tsheena Cooper

Ages 5-8 years

The Yawuru people don't follow four seasons—they listen to Country's voice through six seasons told by sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. A celebration of Indigenous knowledge and the deep connection between people and place.

Australia Environment and Sustainability Indigenous Themes, Authors and Illustrators
View details for Extra Yarn
Extra Yarn book cover

Extra Yarn

by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Jon Klassen

Ages 4-8 years

Annabelle finds a box of colourful yarn and begins knitting sweaters for everyone in her gray town. This magical story celebrates creativity, generosity, and how one person's actions can transform an entire community.

Empathy and Kindness Creativity Family and Community
View details for Here We Are
Here We Are book cover

Here We Are

by Oliver Jeffers

Ages 3-8 years

A father's letter to his newborn child, sharing gentle wisdom about life on Earth. A beautifully illustrated guide that teaches children about kindness, curiosity, and caring for our planet and each other.

Environment and Sustainability Family and Community Empathy and Kindness Adventure and Exploration Growth Mindset Self Identity
View details for Home
Home book cover

Home

by Carson Ellis

Ages 2-6 years

A beautifully illustrated exploration of what home means to different creatures and people around the world, celebrating the diversity of homes and families.

Family and Community Animals Self Identity
View details for How to Catch a Star
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How to Catch a Star

by Oliver Jeffers

Ages 3-7 years

Once there was a boy who loved stars so much that he wished he had one of his very own. Every night he watched the stars in the sky from his bedroom window and dreamed of how he could be their friend. A magical story about determination, creativity, and the joy of pursuing your dreams.

Problem Solving Friendship Adventure and Exploration
View details for Hunwick's Egg
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Hunwick's Egg

by Mem Fox Illustrated by Pamela Lofts

Ages 4-8 years

Hunwick the bandicoot finds an egg and dreams of the wonderful creature that will hatch from it. When the egg doesn't hatch as expected, Hunwick learns about disappointment, acceptance, and finding joy in unexpected places.

Friendship Emotions Animals Australia
View details for I Am One - A Book of Action
I Am One - A Book of Action book cover

I Am One - A Book of Action

by Susan Verde Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Ages 4-8 years

When a small child wonders how they can make a difference in such a big world, a wise bird shares the secret of starting with just one—one seed, one step, one stroke of paint, one note. A reminder that even the smallest among us can create meaningful change.

Family and Community Growth Mindset Responsibility Self Identity
View details for I'm Australian Too!
I'm Australian Too! book cover

I'm Australian Too!

by Mem Fox Illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh

Ages 4-8 years

A celebration of multicultural Australia, showing that no matter where you come from, you can belong and contribute to your new home country.

Australia Cultural Diversity Family and Community Self Identity
View details for Jungle Drums
Jungle Drums book cover

Jungle Drums

by Graeme Base

Ages 4-8 years

Ngiri the warthog feels different from the other animals and wishes he could be like them. When he discovers his own special talent for drumming, he learns to appreciate his unique qualities and brings the jungle together through music. A heartwarming story about self-acceptance, celebrating differences, and the unifying power of music.

Friendship Self Identity Creativity Animals
View details for Kind - A Call to Care for Every Creature
Kind - A Call to Care for Every Creature book cover

Kind - A Call to Care for Every Creature

by Jess McGeachin

Ages 4-8 years

Every creature on Earth deserves our awe and compassion. This book celebrates the diversity of animal life from tiny beetles to majestic whales, inspiring children to become caring stewards of the natural world.

Animals Empathy and Kindness Environment and Sustainability Responsibility
View details for Koala Lou
Koala Lou book cover

Koala Lou

by Mem Fox Illustrated by Pamela Lofts

Ages 3-8 years

Koala Lou loves hearing her mother say 'Koala Lou, I DO love you!' but as her family grows, she hears it less often. She enters the Bush Olympics hoping to win her mother's attention back, learning that love doesn't need to be earned. A touching story about family bonds and the reassuring truth of unconditional parental love.

Animals Australia Family and Community Emotions
View details for Lost and Found
Lost and Found book cover

Lost and Found

by Oliver Jeffers

Ages 3-7 years

There once was a boy and one day a penguin arrives on his doorstep. The boy decides the penguin must be lost and tries to return him. A touching story about friendship, understanding, and discovering that sometimes what we think others need isn't what they actually need.

Friendship Empathy and Kindness Animals Problem Solving
View details for Mirror
Mirror book cover

Mirror

by Jeannie Baker

Ages 5-10 years

Two families, one in Australia and one in Morocco, go about their daily lives in this wordless book that can be read from both directions. A beautiful exploration of cultural similarities and differences through stunning collage illustrations.

Cultural Diversity Australia Family and Community
View details for Mr Tiger Goes Wild
Mr Tiger Goes Wild book cover

Mr Tiger Goes Wild

by Peter Brown

Ages 3-7 years

Mr Tiger is tired of being proper and polite, so he decides to go wild! A story about being true to yourself and finding the balance between fitting in and being authentic.

Animals Self Identity Growth Mindset
View details for My Country
My Country book cover

My Country

by Dorothea Mackellar Illustrated by Andrew McLean

Ages 6-12 years

Dorothea Mackellar's beloved poem 'My Country' brought to life with beautiful illustrations. This classic Australian poem celebrates the unique landscape, weather, and character of the Australian continent.

Australia Literacy Environment and Sustainability
View details for Not a Box
Not a Box book cover

Not a Box

by Antoinette Portis

Ages 2-6 years

A simple story about a rabbit who insists that a cardboard box is not just a box - it's a race car, a mountain, a robot, and much more. This celebration of imagination shows how creativity can transform ordinary objects into extraordinary adventures.

Creativity Growth Mindset
View details for Not a Stick
Not a Stick book cover

Not a Stick

by Antoinette Portis

Ages 2-6 years

The companion to 'Not a Box,' this story follows a pig who insists that a stick is never just a stick - it's a sword, a fishing pole, a horse, and countless other imaginative possibilities. Another celebration of creative play and boundless imagination.

Creativity Growth Mindset
View details for Owl Babies
Owl Babies book cover

Owl Babies

by Martin Waddell Illustrated by Patrick Benson

Ages 2-6 years

Three owl babies wake up to find their mother gone and must comfort each other while waiting for her return. This gentle story addresses separation anxiety and provides reassurance about parental love and return.

Family and Community Emotions Resilience Courage and Bravery Animals
View details for Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley
Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley book cover

Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley

by Aaron Blabey

Ages 3-7 years

Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley are the best of friends, but they are different in almost every way. A delightful story about how opposites attract and true friendship celebrates our differences.

Friendship Self Identity Collaboration
View details for Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas
Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas book cover

Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas

by Aaron Blabey

Ages 4-8 years

Brian the piranha is tired of eating fish and wants to try bananas, but all the other piranhas think this is ridiculous. This humourous story challenges stereotypes and celebrates being different and following your own preferences.

Animals Self Identity
View details for Possum Magic
Possum Magic book cover

Possum Magic

by Mem Fox Illustrated by Julie Vivas

Ages 3-8 years

Grandma Poss makes little Hush invisible to protect her from predators, but when Hush wants to see herself again, they must travel across Australia eating special foods to reverse the magic. A beloved Australian classic celebrating family bonds and cultural foods.

Australia Animals Adventure and Exploration
View details for Rosie Revere, Engineer
Rosie Revere, Engineer book cover

Rosie Revere, Engineer

by Andrea Beaty Illustrated by David Roberts

Ages 5-8 years

Rosie dreams of becoming an engineer and learns that the best way to figure out what you can do is through trial and error, persistence, and learning from failure. An inspiring story about following your dreams, embracing failure as learning, and the importance of perseverance in achieving your goals.

STEAM Problem Solving Persistence Courage and Bravery Creativity Growth Mindset
View details for Square
Square book cover

Square

by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Jon Klassen

Ages 3-7 years

Square works every day to push blocks out of a cave, but when his friend Circle declares him an artist, Square tries to create a sculpture. A simple story about art, friendship, and self-discovery through creative expression.

Numeracy Friendship Creativity
View details for Stanley Paste
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Stanley Paste

by Aaron Blabey

Ages 4-7 years

Stanley Paste is small. Really small. And he hates it. But when a new girl arrives at school, Stanley learns that perhaps being small is not so bad after all. A touching story about self-acceptance and discovering that our perceived weaknesses can actually be strengths.

Self Identity Friendship Empathy and Kindness
View details for Strictly No Elephants
Strictly No Elephants book cover

Strictly No Elephants

by Lisa Mantchev Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo

Ages 4-8 years

When a boy's tiny pet elephant is banned from Pet Club Day, he discovers that being left out can lead to creating your own inclusive space where everyone belongs. A story about friendship, acceptance, and standing up for what's right.

Animals Empathy and Kindness Friendship Self Identity
View details for Sunday Chutney
Sunday Chutney book cover

Sunday Chutney

by Aaron Blabey

Ages 4-7 years

Sunday Chutney has the most extraordinary life – she has lived all over the world! Of course, moving around does mean she's always the new kid at school and never really has a place to call home. But Sunday Chutney doesn't care about that. Or does she? A poignant exploration of belonging, identity, and the universal need for home and connection.

Self Identity
View details for The Colour Thief
The Colour Thief book cover

The Colour Thief

by Gabriel Alborozo

Ages 4-8 years

A greedy thief steals all the colors from the world, leaving everything gray and dull. When he realises what he has done, he must learn about sharing and generosity to restore color and beauty to the world.

Empathy and Kindness Emotions Friendship Responsibility
View details for The Day the Crayons Came Home
The Day the Crayons Came Home book cover

The Day the Crayons Came Home

by Drew Daywalt Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Ages 3-8 years

The sequel to the beloved 'The Day the Crayons Quit,' this story follows Duncan as he receives postcards from his lost crayons who want to come home. Each crayon has had its own adventure and needs Duncan's help to return safely. A delightful continuation that combines humour with problem-solving and empathy.

Emotions Creativity Problem Solving Literacy Friendship Adventure and Exploration
View details for The Dot
The Dot book cover

The Dot

by Peter H. Reynolds

Ages 4-8 years

When Vashti says she can't draw, her teacher encourages her to just make a mark and see where it takes her. A powerful story about the courage to begin and the transformative power of believing in yourself.

Growth Mindset Creativity Self Identity Persistence
View details for The Great Paper Caper
The Great Paper Caper book cover

The Great Paper Caper

by Oliver Jeffers

Ages 4-8 years

When branches start disappearing from the forest, the animals must solve the mystery. A story about taking responsibility for your actions and environmental stewardship.

Problem Solving Honesty and Integrity Animals Environment and Sustainability
View details for The Heart and the Bottle
The Heart and the Bottle book cover

The Heart and the Bottle

by Oliver Jeffers

Ages 4-8 years

Once there was a girl whose life was filled with wonder at the world around her. Then one day something happened that made the girl take her heart and put it in a safe place. However, after that it seemed that the world was emptier than before. A gentle story about grief, healing, and rediscovering the wonder in life.

Emotions Family and Community Problem Solving
View details for The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig book cover

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig

by Eugene Trivizas Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Ages 4-8 years

A clever twist on the classic fairy tale where three little wolves try to build houses safe from the big bad pig. This reversed tale explores themes of conflict, escalation, and the power of kindness to transform situations.

Problem Solving Animals Empathy and Kindness
View details for The Tree at Number 43
The Tree at Number 43 book cover

The Tree at Number 43

by Jess McGeachin

Ages 4-8 years

In a noisy, grey city, Sam and his Grandpa long for the deep, dark wonderful jungle. But when their dream comes true, can they find a way to protect it? A heartwarming tale about the power of dreams, environmental protection, and the special bond between generations.

Environment and Sustainability Family and Community
View details for The Very Brave Bear
The Very Brave Bear book cover

The Very Brave Bear

by Nick Bland

Ages 3-7 years

Boris the bear thinks he's very brave until he encounters something that truly scares him. A reassuring story about true bravery and the support of friendship in overcoming our fears.

Animals Courage and Bravery Emotions
View details for The Way Back Home
The Way Back Home book cover

The Way Back Home

by Oliver Jeffers

Ages 3-7 years

When a boy's airplane crashes on the moon, he meets a stranded Martian, and together they must find a way back to their respective homes. A story about unlikely friendship and creative problem-solving.

Friendship Creativity Adventure and Exploration
View details for The Whale Who Wanted More
The Whale Who Wanted More book cover

The Whale Who Wanted More

by Rachel Bright Illustrated by Jim Field

Ages 3-8 years

Humphrey the whale thinks bigger is always better and wants everything in the ocean for himself. When his greed leads to loneliness, he learns that sharing and contentment bring true happiness and friendship.

Friendship Emotions Animals
View details for Thelma the Unicorn
Thelma the Unicorn book cover

Thelma the Unicorn

by Aaron Blabey

Ages 3-7 years

Thelma the pony wishes she was a unicorn, and when her wish comes true, she learns that being yourself is more important than being famous. A delightful story about authenticity, friendship, and learning that true happiness comes from being comfortable with who you are.

Friendship Self Identity
View details for This is Not My Hat
This is Not My Hat book cover

This is Not My Hat

by Jon Klassen

Ages 3-8 years

A small fish steals a hat from a big fish and tries to convince himself (and readers) that everything will be fine. A sophisticated story that uses dark humour and visual storytelling to explore themes of honesty and consequences.

Animals Honesty and Integrity
View details for This Moose Belongs to Me
This Moose Belongs to Me book cover

This Moose Belongs to Me

by Oliver Jeffers

Ages 4-8 years

Wilfred believes he owns a moose named Marcel, but the moose has other ideas about independence and freedom. This humourous story explores themes of friendship, respect, and understanding that some things cannot be owned.

Responsibility Friendship Animals
View details for Tiger Days
Tiger Days book cover

Tiger Days

by M.H. Clark Illustrated by Anna Hurley

Ages 4-8 years

Some days we feel like fierce tigers, and that's okay. This book acknowledges that children have different emotional days and provides gentle guidance for understanding and managing big feelings.

Emotions Animals
View details for Triangle
Triangle book cover

Triangle

by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Jon Klassen

Ages 3-7 years

Triangle decides to play a sneaky trick on his friend Square, but his prank doesn't go as planned. A clever tale about friendship, feelings and learning that our actions have unexpected consequences.

Friendship Numeracy Emotions
View details for Up and Down
Up and Down book cover

Up and Down

by Oliver Jeffers

Ages 3-6 years

A delightful story about a penguin and a boy's friendship, exploring themes of cooperation, problem-solving, and the ups and downs of relationships. A heartwarming tale about working through challenges together and the resilience of true friendship.

Friendship Collaboration Emotions Adventure and Exploration Problem Solving
View details for We Found a Hat
We Found a Hat book cover

We Found a Hat

by Jon Klassen

Ages 3-8 years

Two turtles find a hat that looks good on both of them, but there's only one hat. This story explores friendship, fairness, and doing the right thing even when it's difficult.

Friendship Honesty and Integrity Animals
View details for We're Going on a Bear Hunt
We're Going on a Bear Hunt book cover

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

by Michael Rosen Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Ages 2-7 years

A family goes on an exciting bear hunt, encountering various obstacles along the way. This interactive story with repetitive text and sound effects encourages participation and explores themes of adventure, courage, and family bonding.

Literacy Adventure and Exploration Family and Community Emotions Courage and Bravery
View details for When I'm Feeling Angry
When I'm Feeling Angry book cover

When I'm Feeling Angry

by Trace Moroney

Ages 3-8 years

This book helps children understand and manage anger in healthy ways. It validates angry feelings while teaching appropriate expression and coping strategies that maintain relationships and promote emotional regulation.

Emotions
View details for When I'm Feeling Disappointed
When I'm Feeling Disappointed book cover

When I'm Feeling Disappointed

by Trace Moroney

Ages 3-8 years

This book helps children understand and cope with disappointment when things don't go as planned. It validates these difficult feelings while teaching healthy ways to bounce back and find new opportunities.

Emotions
View details for When I'm Feeling Happy
When I'm Feeling Happy book cover

When I'm Feeling Happy

by Trace Moroney

Ages 3-8 years

This book celebrates the wonderful feeling of happiness and helps children recognise what brings them joy. It explores different types of happiness and encourages children to appreciate and share positive emotions with others.

Emotions
View details for When I'm Feeling Jealous
When I'm Feeling Jealous book cover

When I'm Feeling Jealous

by Trace Moroney

Ages 3-8 years

This book helps children understand and cope with jealousy. Through gentle text and expressive illustrations, it validates the emotion while providing healthy strategies for managing jealous feelings.

Emotions
View details for When I'm Feeling Kind
When I'm Feeling Kind book cover

When I'm Feeling Kind

by Trace Moroney

Ages 3-8 years

This book celebrates the wonderful feeling of kindness and helps children understand how acts of kindness benefit both the giver and receiver. It encourages empathy, compassion, and the joy that comes from helping others.

Emotions
View details for When I'm Feeling Lonely
When I'm Feeling Lonely book cover

When I'm Feeling Lonely

by Trace Moroney

Ages 3-8 years

This book helps children understand and cope with feelings of loneliness. It validates these difficult emotions while providing strategies for building connections, making friends, and finding ways to feel less alone.

Emotions
View details for When I'm Feeling Loved
When I'm Feeling Loved book cover

When I'm Feeling Loved

by Trace Moroney

Ages 3-8 years

This book explores the wonderful feeling of being loved and helps children recognise the many ways love is expressed in their lives. It celebrates family bonds, friendships, and the security that comes from feeling valued and cared for.

Emotions
View details for When I'm Feeling Nervous
When I'm Feeling Nervous book cover

When I'm Feeling Nervous

by Trace Moroney

Ages 3-8 years

This book helps children understand and cope with nervous feelings before new experiences or challenges. It validates these emotions while providing practical strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence.

Emotions
View details for When I'm Feeling Sad
When I'm Feeling Sad book cover

When I'm Feeling Sad

by Trace Moroney

Ages 3-8 years

This book helps children understand and cope with sadness in healthy ways. It validates sad feelings while providing comfort strategies and showing that sadness is temporary and part of the normal range of human emotions.

Emotions
View details for When I'm Feeling Scared
When I'm Feeling Scared book cover

When I'm Feeling Scared

by Trace Moroney

Ages 3-8 years

This book helps children understand and cope with fear and scary feelings. It validates that being scared is normal while providing practical strategies for managing fear and building courage in age-appropriate ways.

Emotions
View details for Where the Forest Meets the Sea
Where the Forest Meets the Sea book cover

Where the Forest Meets the Sea

by Jeannie Baker

Ages 5-10 years

A boy explores an ancient rainforest and imagines the animals that once lived there and the changes that might come in the future. A breathtaking exploration of our connection to nature and the importance of protecting ancient ecosystems.

Environment and Sustainability Australia Indigenous Themes, Authors and Illustrators Animals
View details for Where to Hide a Star
Where to Hide a Star book cover

Where to Hide a Star

by Oliver Jeffers

Ages 3-7 years

When a boy finds a star that has fallen from the sky, he faces a dilemma about where to keep it safe. This gentle story explores themes of friendship, care, and the joy of sharing something special with others.

Friendship Problem Solving Collaboration
View details for Whoever You Are
Whoever You Are book cover

Whoever You Are

by Mem Fox Illustrated by Leslie Staub

Ages 3-7 years

A celebration of human diversity that shows children around the world may look different and live differently, but inside we all share the same feelings and dreams. A powerful message about unity in diversity and our shared human experience across all cultures and communities.

Cultural Diversity Self Identity Family and Community
View details for Why I Love Australia
Why I Love Australia book cover

Why I Love Australia

by Bronwyn Bancroft

Ages 4-8 years

A stunning visual journey across Australia, from dramatic gorges to snowy mountains, from bustling cities to peaceful rainforests. This book captures the beauty and diversity of Country through vibrant artwork and poetic words.

Australia Creativity Environment and Sustainability Indigenous Themes, Authors and Illustrators Self Identity